Like all governmental entities across our nation the Town of Huntingdon has faced several obstacles in preparing for the 2004 budget year. For the last three years state legislators have toyed with the idea of cuts of the state-shared tax to help solve the state’s budget crisis. The cuts have become a reality and cities and counties across our state must now determine how to provide services without these revenues. Even though the final cuts were less than first anticipated, it’s still difficult to offset the loss of revenues. The Town of Huntingdon’s estimated 6.4% cut of the state-shared revenues for Fiscal Year 2004 is approximately $32,000.00.

However, I think we can consider ourselves very fortunate to continue to see economic growth and development in our community. The construction of the Wal-Mart SuperCenter not only broadened the property tax base but increased sales tax revenues as well. The commitment of our local business and service community continues with its commitment for economic growth and development. It’s because of these people that we see things happening in our town and county.

All properties in Carroll County were re-assessed in 2003 through a countywide re-appraisal. Based on the re-assessment, the state calculated the certified rate of $1.29 for the Town of Huntingdon. (The 2002 tax rate was $1.34). The 2004 budget ordinance sets the 2003 property tax rate at the state calculated rate of $1.29 per one-hundred dollar assessed value.

Both the General Fund and Utility Fund budgets include a $.15 cent per hour raise for all employees effective July 1st, and a $.15 cent per hour raise on the employees anniversary for their date of hire. The following are major projects included above the normal operation for town activities.

· The continued commitment toward economic development through increased financial support of the Carroll County Economic Development Partnership,
· The High Street extension project,
· The third year payment toward the purchase of the 107 acre South Industrial Park,
· Continuation of the Dixie Carter Performing Arts project through the $1,000,000 LPRF grant,
· Revitalization of the Downtown funded by the TEA-21 grant,
· Completing Phase III of the LPRF grant at Kelley Sports Complex and
· A $455,000 street resurfacing project funded by a nine-year capital outlay note.
· The budget includes the purchase of a used dump truck for Public Works and approximately $6,500 of equipment for the Parks & Cemeteries Department.

The General Fund revenues at $4,507,400 are estimated to exceed expenditures approximately $8,850.00.

The Drug Fund revenues and expenses are estimated at $5,000 each.

The Solid Waste Collection Fund budget of $225,000.00 includes revenues from sanitation collection. The fund provides for the payment to Waste Management for collection of waste and a $70,000 transfer to the General Fund for the retirement of the note for the purchase of equipment.

The $1,229,350 Utility Fund budget includes:

· The purchase of a sewer camera, and
· The purchase a new truck.

The Utility revenues exceed expenditures by $8,795.00 after funding reserves for system depreciation as required by state law.

The $131,100 Public Improvement Fund provides for the lease collections, the payment of insurance and the retirement of the debt for the new post office.

Since 1992 we’ve accomplished many task they said couldn’t be done, but through leadership of our council, the dedication and talents of our employees, and the co-operative support of our community, we’ve seen improvements to roads, closure of the landfill site, improvements and upgrades to our water & sewer systems, lagoon upgrades, park upgrades, construction of a new postal facility, renovation of the old postal facility, the purchase of two new fire trucks, as well as the institution of two new fire stations, the purchase of Industrial Park South, upgrades to the utility wells and pumps, sewer rehab project (pipe-bursting) for the upgrade of sewer lines, and the painting of the Hwy 22 North water tank. These projects were completed while maintaining the highest quality of protection and service for our community as well as a sufficient increase to our fund balances.

We look forward to adding to our list items included in this budget such as the 2003 street resurfacing project, the High Street Extension project, the renovation of downtown, park upgrades, the Dixie Carter Performing Arts and Academic project and the continued support of the economic development partnership of our community.

The Town of Huntingdon is dedicated to meeting the needs of our citizens and community and will continue our service and dedication to our citizens with the 2004 budget.

Click on the graph for more graphical information about Huntingdon's FY2004
revenues and expenses.